Kevin Costner is heading back to television — but this time, in a very different role. Following his dramatic departure from Yellowstone, the Oscar-winning actor will front an inspiring new ABC Christmas special that explores one of history’s most meaningful journeys.

Costner Hosts Faith-Based Holiday Special

Costner will host a two-hour documentary titled The Extraordinary Journey of Mary and Joseph, airing Tuesday, December 9 at 8/7c on ABC. The program will follow the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s perilous path before the birth of Jesus Christ, offering what the network calls “an inspiring way to experience the true meaning of Christmas.”

For Costner, the project marks a heartfelt return to his spiritual roots. Raised in the Baptist faith, the 69-year-old actor has long spoken about the role of faith in his storytelling. “Church has always been a part of my life, so I don’t mind it bleeding into a movie,” he told ChurchLeaders.com. “When people went west, they had to go on faith — that was their compass.”

A Return to Television After Yellowstone

The special marks Costner’s first major TV appearance since Yellowstone concluded earlier this year. His iconic character, John Dutton, was shockingly killed off in the final episodes, following months of speculation about behind-the-scenes tensions between Costner and showrunner Taylor Sheridan.

Initially, Dutton’s death was presented as a suicide, sparking outrage among fans. Later episodes clarified it as a murder-for-hire scheme, staged to look self-inflicted — a twist that divided viewers and cemented the series’ controversial ending.

Despite the dramatic exit, Costner has since focused on his Horizon: An American Saga film series, a sweeping Western epic he wrote, directed, and starred in. The story, set in 1859, follows families chasing new beginnings across the frontier, exploring faith, loss, and survival — themes that align closely with his upcoming Christmas project.

ABC’s Festive Line-Up

Costner’s special joins ABC’s star-studded holiday programming, which includes:

• The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular (December 1)

• CMA Country Christmas hosted by Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis (filmed in Nashville)

• Celebrity Family Feud and The Great Christmas Light Fight returning in early December

• Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade airing on Christmas morning

What’s Next for Costner

While the Yellowstone era has officially ended, Costner shows no signs of slowing down. His move from the American West to biblical Bethlehem signals a creative rebirth — one rooted in faith, legacy, and storytelling on his own terms.

As one fan wrote online, “We lost John Dutton, but Kevin Costner’s spirit of hope and adventure is still alive — just on a higher path.”